Elections

The Underdog’s Second Run: When Political Newcomers and Policies Get a Lismore Maiden Moment It’s not often I find myself drawing parallels between the political arena and the race track, but a recent headline caught my eye: “Sinatra ready to put on a show in Lismore maiden.” Now, we’re not talking about Ol’ Blue Eyes crooning about political triumphs or government policy. This ‘Sinatra’ is, in fact, a horse. But as someone who’s spent 15+ years steeped in political journalism, dissecting everything from national elections to local governance, I couldn’t help but see a compelling metaphor here. ...

The Unforeseen Victory: A Microcosm of Democratic Resilience and Emerging Political Talent As a journalist who has spent over 15 years embedded in the intricate dance of politics and policy analysis, I’ve learned that truly compelling narratives often emerge from unexpected places. While my usual beat is the halls of Parliament, the policy debates in Singapore, or the complex geopolitical chess game of the Asia Pacific, sometimes a seemingly simple event can illuminate profound political trends and the dynamics of governance. The recent AFLW elimination final, where Carlton triumphed over West Coast, propelled by the inspired play of Sophie McKay and Poppy Scholz, offered a potent allegory for the power of strategic vision, emergent leadership, and the emotional dividends of a hard-won victory in the political arena. ...

The Stakes Are High: What David Gately’s Preview Taught Me About Politics Okay, let’s talk about David Gately’s Stakes Day Preview. On the surface, it’s about champion horses – Via Sistina, Mr Brightside, Pride of Jenni – and a massive day of racing. But as someone who’s spent 15+ years dissecting the political landscape, my mind immediately goes to the parallels. The high stakes, the competing narratives, the expert predictions – it all feels strikingly familiar to the political arena, where every move, every pronouncement, carries immense weight. ...

Tax on Truth: An Unlikely Alliance Shapes Australia’s Political Landscape It’s not often you see political adversaries link arms in the Senate, but as someone who’s spent over 15 years in the press gallery, I can tell you that Australian politics is rarely predictable. The news that the Coalition and the Greens are teaming up to block Labor’s latest controversial legislation, framed by some as a “tax on truth,” is a fascinating development that demands a closer look. ...

The Cracks Emerge: An Ally’s Defiance on Net Zero Having spent the better part of fifteen years covering the twists and turns of political journalism, I’ve learned that sometimes, the most telling stories aren’t the grand pronouncements, but the subtle, almost imperceptible shifts within a party’s ranks. This week, we saw one such crack emerge, a significant jolt to the opposition’s precarious unity, as a key ally of Deputy Leader Sussan Ley broke ranks on the net zero target. ...

The Robin Hood Defense: A Familiar Refrain in the Fight for Governance and Trust After 15 years in political journalism, hearing a high-ranking official accused of corruption liken themselves to Robin Hood is, unfortunately, less shocking than it should be. The latest headlines – an allegedly corrupt transport official telling an anti-corruption inquiry that “everything I do is illegal” and “you can’t follow rules in this world” – strike at the very heart of democratic governance and public trust. This isn’t just a sensational soundbite; it’s a revealing glimpse into a mindset that poses significant challenges to our institutions and the integrity of government policy. ...

Beyond the Headlines: The Political Pulse of Justice and Protection This week, as political journalists, we often find ourselves sifting through a myriad of headlines – budget debates, electoral posturing, geopolitical shifts. But every so often, a single story cuts through the noise, demanding not just our attention, but a deeper political and policy analysis. The recent sentencing of a 69-year-old man to 20 years’ jail for the rape of his step-granddaughter is one such moment. It’s a stark, deeply human tragedy, brought to light only when the young girl sought help for self-harm at school. Yet, beneath the personal horror, lie critical questions about our government policy, the efficacy of our child protection systems, and the underlying political trends that shape how societies respond to their most vulnerable. ...

The Electric Shift: A Deeper Dive into Singapore’s Political-Automotive Crossroads The numbers hit my inbox, and even after 15 years covering the intricate dance of politics and policy in this region, they still made me pause. “Nearly half of Cat A COEs go to EVs, which account for 43% of new sales so far in 2025.” And not just Cat A; “The share of EVs among Category B COE registrations also rose to 39.8 per cent.” ...

The Unspoken Rules of Power: Derby Day’s Sartorial Statements as Political Commentary Having covered politics for over a decade and a half, I’ve learned that understanding the unspoken rules is often more telling than analysing the legislation itself. Whether it’s the subtle nods in a diplomatic meeting or the quiet power plays behind a budget allocation, much of what truly shapes our political landscape operates beneath the surface. This year, observing the sartorial choices at Derby Day, I found myself drawing unexpected parallels to the very dynamics I dissect in the halls of power. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about interpretation, adherence, and the subtle art of “cracking the code”—a skill as vital in Canberra or Singapore as it is at Flemington. ...

The Unseen Scorecard: When World-Class Cricket Meets Political Undercurrents Watching the build-up to an Australia vs. India T20 clash at the MCG, particularly one drawing 90,000 passionate fans, it’s easy to get swept away by the roar of the crowd, the skill on display, and the sheer spectacle of it all. But for those of us who’ve spent decades sifting through the layers of public life, like myself with 15+ years in political journalism, even an event as seemingly ‘apolitical’ as a cricket match reveals deeper currents. It’s not just a game; it’s a potent display of soft power, a test of civic infrastructure, and, as tragically highlighted this week, a stark reminder of the human element embedded within even the most commercialized sports. ...